LeBron James Surpasses Tiger Woods as Most Valuable Athlete Brand

According to Forbes, LeBron James has surpassed Tiger Woods as the most valuable athlete brand in the world. For seven consecutive years Tiger Woods was the top athlete brand in the world, not anymore though, LeBron James raked in $53 million in endorsements this year and his brand is worth almost $40 million.

For the first time since 2007 the top athlete brand is not Tiger Woods. This year the top spot belongs to LeBron James, who will be rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers after fours season and two NBA titles with the Miami Heat. James pulled in $53 million off the court during the past year and his brand is worth $37 million, which is the amount his endorsement and non-basketball earnings exceeded the average of the top 10 off the court earners in the NBA.

For the third straight year, Nike is named the top sports brand valued at $19 billion. Kobe Bryant ranked eighth on the list for top athlete brands.